Expansion complete

La Junta City Council members were treated to a reception and tour of the newly expanded and remodeled Woodruff Memorial Library Monday.

Comment

By Candi Hillpublisher@ljtdmail.com

LA Junta Tribune - La Junta, CO

By Candi Hillpublisher@ljtdmail.com

Posted Feb. 5, 2013 at 3:00 PM

By Candi Hillpublisher@ljtdmail.com

Posted Feb. 5, 2013 at 3:00 PM

La Junta City Council members were treated to a reception and tour of the newly expanded and remodeled Woodruff Memorial Library Monday.

The new addition includes a gated patio area that can be used for summer reading program activities, receptions, gatherings, meetings. Librarian Sandy Messick said this room is available for use by the public and people can call the library to reserve a spot.

The living history room includes genealogy information, microfiche film and other local historical items that people can peruse. However, there are strict requirements when using the room and people will be required to sign in before entering the room, as well as leaving all of their belongings in a locker right outside the room.

The highlight of the expansion is a climate-controlled locked room that stores countless newspapers starting with some from the 1800s.

"This is our pride and joy," Messick told the council members. "This is the heart of our community.

The completion of the expansion and remodel also allowed the library to begin using the meeting room. It is also available to the public.

The completion also allowed the library board to mark off a number of items on its long-range plan.

Messick added that the project was financed in part by the U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development and the citizens of La Junta. The grant received from the USDA was matched with funds left over from the bond issue that was used to construct the new library years ago.

An open house for the new expansion and remodel will be held from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Feb. 16. Lunch will be served.